Arthur Kaliyev Expected to Miss “Extended Period of Time” for LA Kings

Fresh off signing a new contract just three days earlier, Los Angeles Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev suffered an injury during a scrimmage this weekend, and is expected to be out for "an extended period of time," per Mayor’s Manor.

The 23-year-old took a hit in the corner from defenseman Kyle Burroughs, and left the ice with an upper-body injury.

The restricted free agent signed a one-year deal for $825,000 late last week, coming off a disappointing third season with the Kings. Kaliyev was the subject of trade rumors as last season came to an end and through the summer, after he managed just seven goals and 15 points in 51 games, following back to back promising seasons as a secondary scorer, with 14 and 13 goals in the two previous years.

“I’m excited to be here. It feels like a fresh start.” - Arthur Kaliyev pic.twitter.com/KVy2oL3ysN
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) September 19, 2024

His excitement about signing the new contract and reporting to camp a couple of days earlier has quickly worn off.

His team-friendly cap hit might have facilitated a trade to give the youngster a fresh start elsewhere, but the prospects of a "long-term" injury would put the kibosh on that.

Kaliyev, 6'2", 210 pounds, was selected by LA in the second round, with the 33rd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

The Uzbekistan native had a tremendous final two seasons in junior with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL, racking up 95 goals and 200 points across those two campaigns that sandwiched his draft year.